BIDDEFORD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Many Biddeford residents are on edge after there have been several coyote sightings around the city in recent weeks.

City Manager John Bubier says there have been many reports on South Street near the Maine Turnpike where residents have called concerned about coyote sightings near their homes. He says the city has been working closely with biologists and the Maine Warden Service to look at the problem and to better educate people about coyotes.

Officials say there are steps people can take by keeping trash cans closed and secured near their home, and to not feed the coyotes, which may lure them back in the future. Bubier says there is a meeting scheduled for Thursday night that will aim to better address resident's concerns.

"The coyote has been here for a very long time. The fact that we're seeing them for the first time in a long time, and that we have had no education about the coyote gives us pause because we really don't know what role the coyote plays, how they're impacting the community, what their roles are," Bubier said.

Thursday night's meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Biddeford High School. Biologists and the Maine Warden Service will have representatives at the meeting to answer questions.